Slavery in the Bible

Question

I’m curious how others here deal with the subject of how slavery is taught in the Bible.

Answer 1

The response would probably depend on whose point of view we are seeking.

If, for instance, we were to take the point of view that the Bible, that is to say the compiled scriptures are inspired by God, then I would respond that slavery was permitted, but not condoned or endorsed, similar to the issue of polygamy. We can also see a stark difference between how it is viewed from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Allowing something to happen is not the same as commanding it to, or condoning/justifying it.

Even going by Levitical Law under what we would consider the Old Covenant, or Old Testament, these laws were meant to provide a type of guideline for an emerging society, coming out from the bondage of servitude in Egypt.

There are those people and groups who have, and will, use scripture to condone racism as if segregation and even slavery is condoned and even commanded by God, however in the New Testament writings, slavery is not condoned. Jesus said to love one another, not seek to possess others.

Paul writes that the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. None of these speak to the justification of slavery.

He further writes that under the Spirit we are not slaves to sin, but rather bond-servants to Christ.

I hope this sheds some light on the subject.